Tigers put an end to Heighington exit rumour

Wests Tigers’ chief executive, Stephen Humphreys, has made it clear one of the club’s favourite sons, forward Chris Heighington, is going nowhere after weeks of speculation he was set to be released to join the Penrith Panthers.

News of Heighington’s impending departure outraged Tigers fans who said they considered the 28-year-old back-rower the heart and soul of their team.

An emphatic Humphreys stressed last night that Heighington would see out the next two years of his contract.

”Chris is not going anywhere,” he said. ”He’s not going to Penrith, he wasn’t going to Penrith … he’s an integral part of the squad.

”He will see out his contract [until the end of 2013] and hopefully, then, his career at the Wests Tigers. He is one of the leaders of the club, he’s totally committed, he’s a great trainer and sets a great example for the young guys coming through.”